My 17 y/o daughter suffers from terrible headaches. migraines run in family. she refuses the course of action by neurologist bloodwork/mri w contrast bc of needle phobia.cant drag her by ear.what are long term effects of untreated migraine on brain?

Migraine plan: If she is otherwise well, given your family history, a trial of migraine treatment may be appropriate. Discuss this option w the Neurologist. Avoid migraine trigger foods, stay well hydrated.

Variable: the answer is largely unknown if any long term deleterious effects would occur. I suspect it would depend on intensity and frequency of HAs. She will miss out on many life experiences and since excellent treatments are now available without injection should see a HA specialist. Cephaly is an electric tx, pills to prevent or treat, ID and avoid triggers, no alcohol, adequate sleep can help.

Migraine: It may be helpful to have a migraine diary. Record time of onset, duration of headache, severity, possible triggers and what she took to relieve the headache. Common triggers include menstrual periods, skipping meals, dehydration, physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, change in weather, emotional stress. Some people are able to manage their migraines with Tylenol, Motrin, Advil or Aleve.